After women become pregnant, certain substances secreted by the placenta have the effect of inhibiting gastric acid secretion, which can significantly reduce gastric acid, decrease digestive enzyme activity, and affect the digestive and absorption function of the gastrointestinal tract. As a result, pregnant women may experience symptoms such as nausea, decreased appetite, and weakness. Therefore, diet during pregnancy is very important for expectant mothers. It is important to eat foods that are high in nutrients and easy to digest and absorb.
Nutrients that need to be supplemented:
Foods rich in protein
Fetal development, the growth of the uterus and mammary glands in pregnant women, all require a large amount of protein. Therefore, pregnant women should eat more protein-rich foods such as eggs, lean meat, fish, and soy products. Sugar is mainly used to supply energy. During pregnancy, metabolic rate increases and energy consumption is high.
Increase intake of foods containing sugar
Rice, white flour, and other foods containing sugar should be increased accordingly. Pregnant women do not have a high fat consumption, so they should not eat too much fat to prevent obesity and increase burden. It is important to eat plenty of vegetables and fruits, especially fibrous vegetables such as celery and cabbage, which can help prevent constipation.
Supplement foods containing iron and vitamins
The development of the fetus's bones, nerves, and hematopoietic organs requires a large amount of iron, phosphorus, calcium, and various vitamins. Therefore, attention should be paid to supplementing these substances during pregnancy. In addition to eating animal liver, beans, spinach, shellfish, and milk, it is also appropriate to take iron supplements, calcium tablets, and vitamins A, B, C, D to prevent anemia and calcium deficiency.
Specific types of supplements:
1. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables to provide pregnant women with the necessary vitamins A, C, calcium, and iron. Fruits and vegetables can be divided into two categories: those with high vitamin C content and those with high vitamin A content. Vegetables and fruits with high vitamin C content include melons, strawberries, cauliflower, and green peppers. It is recommended to consume two servings of deep yellow fruits and dark green vegetables daily, each serving being half a cup. This can include apricots, melons, carrots, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, spinach, cauliflower, and watercress.
2. Eat more coarse grains and less refined rice and flour. During pregnancy, it is important to pay attention to this, as coarse grains such as corn and millet contain more vitamin B and protein than rice and flour.
3. Eat more grains and peanuts, as these foods contain a large amount of easily digestible protein, vitamins B and C, iron, and calcium.
4. It is recommended to eat 1-2 eggs a day, as eggs are known as a "perfect nutritional storehouse" containing almost all the nutrients the human body needs. Eggs are rich in protein, calcium, phosphorus, and various vitamins.
5. Pay attention to supplementing trace elements such as zinc, magnesium, iodine, copper, etc. Foods such as animal products, beans, grains, and vegetables contain iron, zinc, copper, while seafood contains high levels of iodine.
It is recommended to choose acidic foods during pregnancy to provide more vitamin C for both the mother and the fetus. Pregnant women who enjoy acidic foods should choose fresh fruits such as tomatoes, cherries, and grapes, which are both acidic and rich in nutrients. This can improve gastrointestinal discomfort symptoms, increase appetite, enhance nutrition, and promote fetal growth, achieving multiple benefits at once.
